To varying degrees we are all aware of HIV AIDS, and the devastating effect that it has had, and continues to have, in the developing world particularly. The reality of HIV AIDS goes far beyond the actual infection itself. The aggressive stigma that surrounds people who have been infected or affected by HIV AIDS is almost as damaging as the infection itself. No-one is more vulnerable to the effects of both the infection itself, and the related social dysfunction than children, who are without the material means, knowledge or experience to meet the challenge, even more so, children who have already lost one, or both, of their parents due to HIV AIDS.
South Africa expects to have more than 2 million HIV/Aids Orphans by 2012.
These challenges are compounded by the other features of much of South African society. Many social problems grip communities: violent crime; substance abuse; unemployment, physical and psychological abuse. The challenges of HIV AIDS are cast beside other illnesses such as TB. Malnutrition is commonplace. In this society, the great majority of people live on, or below the poverty line.
The South African state is struggling to address the needs of these Orphans. Friends in Ireland are partnering government departments to develop systems to assist Orphans in these communities. Through Child registration and advocacy for government support grants Friends in Ireland is attempting to ensure that as many of these forgotten Orphans as possible are captured within a net of state provision.
Right now, as you read this, Friends in Ireland are working to alleviate the suffering heaped upon the people, particularly the children, of South Africa. The rationale of this intervention is simple. The scale of the misery of this pandemic is so awesome, one could be overwhelmed in to doing nothing, but one life saved or one life improved makes it worthwhile trying to help. Our aim is to create lasting and meaningful structures through which the people of South Africa can rise to meet the challenges they now face with pride and dignity.
Friends in Ireland has been blessed so far by the generosity of Irish people. Through you and with you, we can continue this work. Somebody somewhere will be glad they have a friend in Ireland.
We ask that you join us in this effort, on behalf of the people who will never be able to ask you themselves. Every contribution helps. Every child deserves it. |
